Hair coloring tool

ABSTRACT

A hair coloring tool is disclosed that is particularly effective and efficient in performing foil highlighting and hair coloring. The hair coloring tool is used to separate and foil hair tufts and then apply hair coloring agents to the hair tufts. An advantageous embodiment of the hair coloring tool comprises an elongate body having a first end and a second end. The first end comprises a thin metal rod and the second end comprises a plurality of bristles attached to the second end of the body. The first end of the tool is used to perform foil highlighting and the second end of the tool is used to perform hair coloring. A gripping handle between the first end and the second end facilitates the rotation of the hair coloring tool as the user alternately uses each end of the hair coloring tool.

REFERENCE TO PRIOR APPLICATION

This patent application is a continuation-in-part of prior U.S. patent application Ser. No. 10/249,823 filed on May 9, 2003. The disclosures in the prior patent application are incorporated herein by reference for all purposes as if fully set forth herein.

FIELD OF THE INVENTION

The present invention relates generally to cosmetic and beauty supplies. More particularly, the present invention concerns a hair coloring brush having an improved handle for facilitating foil highlighting of hair.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

There are several primary objectives in applying coloring agents to hair. For example, the coloring agent (typically in the form of a liquid, paste or gel) must be applied in a manner that creates a natural appearance. In other words, the application should have an appearance that resembles natural hair color, rather than the appearance of manual coloring. One way to enhance the natural appearance of hair coloring is to avoid lines that clearly demarcate colored hair from uncolored hair. It is also important that the coloring application be quick and inexpensive. Accordingly, the desired natural appearance should not be attained at the expense of time and money. However, conventional hair coloring tools have proven to be ineffective in applying coloring agents in a manner that provides the desired natural appearance, without sacrificing time and expense.

Conventional hair coloring tools have a row of substantially equal length bristles to form a brush, with a tapered handle that has no use other than as a handle.

One traditional type of hair coloring technique referred to as “foil highlighting” involves coloring of only portions of the hair. The highlighted or colored hair is typically separated from the rest of the hair by scaling out successive tufts of hair, and a coloring preparation is then applied to the tufts. Strips of metal foil are used to separate the treated tufts from the rest of the hair so as to avoid the highlighting preparation from coming into contact with the rest of the hair during the time that the highlighting preparation requires to take effect. After the highlighting preparation has taken effect the strips of metal foil are removed and the highlighting preparation rinsed off.

The conventional manner of carrying out foil highlighting is as follows. First, a section of hair is scaled out and held between the first and middle fingers of the hair stylist. The thin cylindrical tail of a metal tail comb (“rat tail comb”) is then woven through the section and lifted, thereby separating tufts of hair from the section. The remaining hair of the section is allowed to fall back onto the head of the person whose hair is being done. A strip of metal foil is now inserted underneath the separated tufts, with the foil being firmly advanced and pressed close to the scalp by use of the metal tail of the comb, whereupon the tufts are then released so that they fall back onto the foil. The tail comb is then set down, and a highlighting brush is picked up. A highlighting preparation is then applied to the separated tufts with the brush, using the head of the person whose hair is being done as a support.

The conventional technique is slow and cumbersome, because the tail comb must be put down and the highlighting brush picked up, and then reversed, in alternating use for each tuft. The comb section of the metal tail comb is not used frequently in the foil highlighting process, so the process is significantly hampered and encumbered by the provision of two separate tools for foiling and color application.

Therefore, there is a need in the art for a hair coloring brush with an improved handle for facilitating a foil highlighting and process and a hair color application process.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

To address the above-discussed deficiencies of the prior art, it is a primary object of the present invention to provide a hair coloring tool that is particularly effective and efficient in separating and foiling hair tufts, and applying hair coloring agents to hair tufts, in foil highlighting techniques.

In one advantageous embodiment of the present invention, the hair coloring tool of the present invention comprises an elongated body having opposite first and second ends. The first end comprises a thin metal rod for foil highlighting. The second end comprises a plurality of bristles projecting from the second end of the body for performing hair coloring. In one advantageous embodiment the bristles cooperatively present a brush edge, which is particularly effective in applying coloring agents to the hair in a manner that creates a natural appearance. The thin metal rod end is preferably located adjacent to a tapered handle portion of the body.

In another advantageous embodiment of the present invention, the hair coloring tool of the present invention comprises an elongated body having opposite first and second ends with a gripping handle located between the first and second ends. The first end comprises a thin metal rod for foil highlighting. The second end comprises a plurality of bristles projecting from the second end of the body for performing hair coloring. In one advantageous embodiment the bristles cooperatively present a brush edge, which is particularly effective in applying coloring agents to the hair in a manner that creates a natural appearance.

The gripping handle permits a user of hair coloring tool to obtain a firm grip on the central portion of hair coloring tool. As the user alternately uses the opposite ends of the hair coloring tool the user continuously rotates the hair coloring tool about an axis that is perpendicular to the longitudinal axis of the hair coloring tool. The presence of the gripping handle facilitates the rotation of hair coloring tool by the user.

It is an object of the present invention to provide a hair coloring tool that is effective and efficient in separating and foiling hair tufts, and applying hair coloring agents to hair tufts, in foil highlighting techniques.

It is also an object of the present invention to provide a hair coloring tool that has a gripping handle that facilitates the rotation of the hair coloring tool by a user.

It is yet another object of the present invention to provide a hair coloring tool that has a thin metal rod having a pointed terminus for efficiently separating tufts of hair during a foil highlighting procedure.

The foregoing has outlined rather broadly the features and technical advantages of the present invention so that those skilled in the art may better understand the detailed description of the invention that follows. Additional features and advantages of the invention will be described hereinafter that form the subject of the claims of the invention. Those skilled in the art should appreciate that they may readily use the conception and the specific embodiment disclosed as a basis for modifying or designing other structures for carrying out the same purposes of the present invention. Those skilled in the art should also realize that such equivalent constructions do not depart from the spirit and scope of the invention in its broadest form.

Before undertaking the Detailed Description of the Invention below, it may be advantageous to set forth definitions of certain words and phrases used throughout this patent document: the terms “include” and “comprise,” as well as derivatives thereof, mean inclusion without limitation; the term “or,”¹ is inclusive, meaning and/or; the phrases “associated with” and “associated therewith,” as well as derivatives thereof, may mean to include, be included within, interconnect with, contain, be contained within, connect to or with, couple to or with, be communicable with, cooperate with, interleave, juxtapose, be proximate to, be bound to or with, have, have a property of, or the like. Definitions for certain words and phrases are provided throughout this patent document, those of ordinary skill in the art should understand that in many, if not most instances, such definitions apply to prior uses, as well as future uses, of such defined words and phrases.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

For a more complete understanding of the present invention and its advantages, reference is now made to the following description taken in conjunction with the accompanying drawings, in which like reference numerals represent like parts:

FIG. 1 illustrates a plan view of an advantageous embodiment of a hair coloring tool constructed in accordance with the principles of the present invention;

FIG. 2 illustrates a side elevation of the hair coloring tool shown in FIG. 1;

FIG. 3 illustrates a plan view of another advantageous embodiment of a hair coloring tool constructed in accordance with the principles of the present invention; and

FIG. 4 illustrates a side elevation of the hair coloring tool shown in FIG. 3.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

FIGS. 1 through 4 and the various embodiments used to describe the principles of the present invention in this patent document are by way of illustration only and should not be construed in any way to limit the scope of the invention. Those skilled in the art will understand that the principles of the present invention may be implemented in any type of suitably arranged hair coloring tool.

Turning initially to FIG. 1, hair coloring tool 10 comprises an elongated body 12 having a first end 16 and a second end 14. The second end 14 of body 12 is formed having portions that form a handle that tapers toward the first end 16. The first end 16 comprises a thin metal rod that will be used for purposes that will subsequently be described.

The body 12 is relatively larger adjacent the opposite second end 14 and defines a substantially flat head 18. Extending between the first end 16 and the head 18 is the handle portion of second end 14 for facilitating gripping by the user. It will also be appreciated that the body 12 presents a substantially central longitudinal axis extending from the first end 16 to the opposite second end 14.

The thin metal rod of the first end 16 has a pointed terminus 20, and preferably a length in the range from three and three fourths inches (3.75 inches) to five and one half inches (5.5 inches). The pointed terminus 20 facilitates the separation of individual tufts of hair. The diameter of the thin metal rod of the first end 16 is substantially constant along its length, and is preferably about one sixteenth of an inch. Steel is the preferred material for the thin metal rod of the first end 16.

The second end 14 of body 12 is formed of any suitable material, such as injection molded plastic, wood, or metal. When a wood material is used, the body 12 may be stained or painted. On the other hand, when the body 12 is formed of a plastic material, a pigment may be added prior to molding for providing the desired coloring. It is noted that the flat head 18 is well suited for indicia, such as a trademark or advertising.

Projecting from the second end 14 of the body 12 is a plurality of flexible bristles 22 arranged in a single row of separate tufts spaced across the head 18. As shown in FIG. 1, the bristles 22 cooperatively define an outermost brush 24 spaced from the head 18. Each illustrated tuft of bristles has a proximate end (not shown) fixed by suitable means (e.g., glue) within a cylindrical opening (also not shown) extending into the head 18. It is also noted that the preferred tufts have generally the same overall length.

In operation, the tool 10 is grasped along the handle portion 14 while using either the application brush 24 defined by the bristles 22 or the thin metal rod of the first end 16. Function can be quickly alternated between foiling with the thin metal rod of the first end 16 and color application with the application brush 24 of the second end 14, without having to set down and pick up separate tools. In these respects, the tool 10 is particularly useful in efficiently and effectively applying hair coloring agents to the hair and facilitating foil highlighting.

FIG. 3 and FIG. 4 illustrate another embodiment of the hair coloring tool of the present invention. The hair coloring tool shown in FIG. 3 and in FIG. 4 is designated with reference numeral 30. The hair coloring tool 30 is generally similar in structure to the hair coloring tool 10. Hair coloring tool 30 comprises an elongated body 32 having a first end 36 and a second end 34. The first end 36 comprises a thin metal rod 36 to be used as previously described with respect to hair coloring tool 10.

Hair coloring tool 30 also comprises a gripping handle 35 that is located between the first end 36 and the second end 24 of elongated body 32. As shown in FIG. 4, the thickness of the gripping handle 35 is thicker than the thickness of the second end 34 of hair coloring tool 30. This permits a user of hair coloring tool 30 to obtain a firm grip on the central portion of hair coloring tool 30. As the user alternately uses the opposite ends of the hair coloring tool 30 the user continuously rotates the hair coloring tool 30 about an axis that is perpendicular to the longitudinal axis of the hair coloring tool 30. The presence of the gripping handle 35 facilitates the rotation of hair coloring tool 30 by the user.

Gripping handle 35 is also formed having portions that form a plurality of gripping ridges 37 in the surface of gripping handle 35. The gripping ridges 37 provide additional gripping surfaces for the user to contact when gripping the gripping handle 35. The continuous alternate rotation of hair coloring tool 30 by the user is facilitated by the use of the gripping handle 35 and its gripping ridges 37.

The body 32 is relatively larger adjacent the opposite second end 34 and defines a substantially flat head 38. It will also be appreciated that the body 32 presents a substantially central longitudinal axis extending from the first end 36 to the opposite second end 34.

The thin metal rod of the first end 36 has a pointed terminus 40, and preferably a length in the range from three and three fourths inches (3.75 inches) to five and one half inches (5.5 inches). The pointed terminus 40 facilitates the separation of individual tufts of hair. The diameter of the thin metal rod of the first end 36 is substantially constant along its length, and is preferably about one sixteenth of an inch. Steel is the preferred material for the thin metal rod of the first end 36.

The second end 34 of body 32 is formed of any suitable material, such as injection molded plastic, wood, or metal. When a wood material is used, the body 32 may be stained or painted. On the other hand, when the body 32 is formed of a plastic material, a pigment may be added prior to molding for providing the desired coloring. It is noted that the flat head 38 is well suited for indicia, such as a trademark or advertising.

Projecting from the second end 34 of the body 32 is a plurality of flexible bristles 42 arranged in a single row of separate tufts spaced across the head 38. As shown in FIG. 3, the bristles 42 cooperatively define an outermost brush 44 spaced from the head 38. Each illustrated tuft of bristles has a proximate end (not shown) fixed by suitable means (e.g., glue) within a cylindrical opening (also not shown) extending into the head 38. It is also noted that the preferred tufts have generally the same overall length.

In operation, the user grasps hair coloring tool 30 by the gripping handle 35 while using either the application brush 44 defined by the bristles 42 or the thin metal rod of the first end 36. Function can be quickly alternated between foiling with the thin metal rod of the first end 36 and color application with the application brush 44 of the second end 34, without having to set down and pick up separate tools. In these respects, hair coloring tool 30 is particularly useful in efficiently and effectively applying hair coloring agents to the hair and facilitating foil highlighting.

Although the present invention has been described using exemplary embodiments, various changes and modifications may be suggested to one skilled in the art. It is intended that the present invention encompass such changes and modifications as fall with the scope of the appended claims. 

1. A hair coloring tool comprising: a body having a first end and a second end; wherein said first end of said body comprises a thin metal rod; and wherein said second end of said body comprises a plurality of bristles attached to said second end of said body.
 2. The hair coloring tool as set forth in claim 1 wherein said plurality of bristles is arranged into a plurality of separate tufts that project from said second end of said body.
 3. The hair coloring tool as set forth in claim 1 wherein said thin metal rod of said first end of said body has a pointed terminus.
 4. The hair coloring tool as set forth in claim 1 wherein said thin metal rod has a length in the range of three and three fourths inches to five and one half inches.
 5. The hair coloring tool as set forth in claim 1 wherein said thin metal rod has a diameter approximately one sixteenth of an inch.
 6. The hair coloring tool as set forth in claim 2 wherein said body comprises a generally flat head adjacent to said second end of said body, wherein said tufts of said bristles are spaced apart along a single row extending across said head.
 7. The hair coloring tool as set forth in claim 1 wherein said second end of said body comprises portions that form a tapered handle that connects to said thin metal rod of said first end of said body.
 8. The hair coloring tool as set forth in claim 1 further comprising: a gripping handle located between said thin metal rod of said first end of said body and said second end of said body.
 9. The hair coloring tool as set forth in claim 8 wherein said gripping handle is thicker than a thickness of said second end of said body.
 10. The hair coloring tool as set forth in claim 8 wherein said gripping handle comprises a plurality of gripping ridges.
 11. A hair coloring tool comprising: a body having a first end and a second end and a gripping handle located between said first end and said second end; wherein said first end of said body comprises a thin metal rod; and wherein said second end of said body comprises a plurality of bristles attached to said second end of said body.
 12. The hair coloring tool as set forth in claim 11 wherein said gripping handle is thicker than a thickness of said second end of said body.
 13. The hair coloring tool as set forth in claim 11 wherein said gripping handle comprises a plurality of gripping ridges.
 14. The hair coloring tool as set forth in claim 11 wherein said plurality of bristles is arranged into a plurality of separate tufts that project from said second end of said body.
 15. The hair coloring tool as set forth in claim 11 wherein said thin metal rod of said first end of said body has a pointed terminus.
 16. The hair coloring tool as set forth in claim 11 wherein said thin metal rod has a length in the range of three and three fourths inches to five and one half inches.
 17. The hair coloring tool as set forth in claim 11 wherein said thin metal rod has a diameter approximately one sixteenth of an inch.
 18. The hair coloring tool as set forth in claim 14 wherein said body comprises a generally flat head adjacent to said second end of said body, wherein said tufts of said bristles are spaced apart along a single row extending across said head.
 19. A hair coloring tool comprising: an elongated body presenting opposite first and second ends; a thin metal rod forming the first end of the body, said thin metal rod having a pointed terminus; a plurality of flexible bristles projecting from the body adjacent the second end thereof; said bristles being arranged into a plurality of separate tufts projecting from the body; said body including a generally flat head adjacent said second end, said tufts projecting from the head and being spaced apart along a single row extending across said head; and the diameter of the first end substantially constant along its length and having a length in the range of three and three fourths inches to five and one half inches.
 20. A hair coloring tool comprising: an elongated body having opposite first and second ends; the body having a handle portion that tapers toward the first end, with the first end being a thin metal rod; the body being relatively larger adjacent the second end and defining a substantially flat head; the handle portion extending between the first end and the head for facilitating gripping by the user; the thin metal rod of the first end having a pointed terminus, and a length in the range of three and three fourths inches to five and one half inches; the diameter of the first end being substantially constant along its length, and being about one sixteenth of an inch; the material of the first end being steel; the second end of the body formed of a material chosen from the group of plastic, wood, and metal; and a plurality of flexible bristles projecting from the second end of the body arranged in a single row of separate tufts spaced across the head, the bristles cooperatively defining an outermost brush edge spaced from the head. 